US firm offers to modernize BOC operations

An American company that supplies technologically advanced X-ray inspection systems has made a firm offer to help finance and implement the modernization program of the Bureau of Customs (BoC).

The American Science and Engineering Inc. (AS&E) proposed to Customs Commissioner Antonio Bernardo a joint venture wherein the National Government will not be advancing a single centavo for the BoC modernization.

Robert N. Lockett, AS&E vice president for Asia, informed Bernardo that the project will be completely financed by the consortium of A.T. Intergrouppe Inc., the exclusive local distributor of the equipment like MobileSearch, a revolutionary and patended system; Shaped Energy Inspection System, and Z Backscatter Van.

Lockett said the method of repayment would be through a "tolling" system wherein the BOC and A.T. Intergrouppe will jointly operate the joint venture.

"The A.T. Intergrouppe will supply and maintain the needed equipment while the BoC will be responsible for making a decision regarding inspection confirmation," Lockett told Bernardo.

On the other hand, Albert Tan, president of A.T. Intergroupe, told Bernardo that their methods of acquisition would alleviate the burden of financing from the side of the BOC and allow a smooth and swift modernization project to materialize.

Due to the government’s budget deficit, the Arroyo administration is hard-pressed to raise the amount needed to fund such modernization projects. For the past two years, records show, BOC has been trying to find the solution on how to improve the present inspection and collection system.

"This is a win-win solution for the BOC and the Arroyo administration," Tan said.

By implementing this system of inspection, Tan said the collection revenue of the BOC will increase and at the same time properly monitor the goods in the container shipments, thus promoting investor confidence and safety in the country.

AS&E has a patended technology wherein no other X-ray company in the world has such capability and advance technology. It is the only manufacturer of X-ray equipment being used by the White House, US Air Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation and all US Federal institutions and other countries such as Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, China and Saudi Arabia.